Dogs are sensitive creatures that are known to pick up changes in scent or sound from far away. However, a new study featured on Science Daily reveals that their skills may serve a greater purpose when they’re in close proximity to their masters.
Researchers from Newcastle University developed a waterproof collar with a built-in accelerometer and other recorders that could store canine data such as frequency of barking, digging, and the like to see if canine behaviour could be used to monitor whether their masters were healthy or not.
"A dog's physical and emotional dependence on their owner means that their well-being is likely [to] reflect that of their owner and any changes such as the dog being walked less often, perhaps not being fed regularly, or simply demonstrating 'unhappy' behaviour could be an early indicator for families that an older relative needs help." behaviour imaging expert Nils Hammerla explains.
Having pets has been proven to have a positive effect on humans, especially on older adults. But our four-legged friends don’t just lower our stress levels, they may also help save our ives.
(Photo by Elizabeth Tersigni via Flickr Creative Commons)
